The San Francisco 49ers are being linked to a potential reunion with a familiar face, currently playing for the New York Jets.
After three consecutive losses, the 49ers find their playoff hopes in jeopardy. While it’s premature to consider a rebuild, the B/R Scouting Department has identified a potential offseason addition in Jets cornerback Isaiah Oliver.
“Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green are under contract for 2025 and could serve as the defense’s starting cornerbacks. However, San Francisco faces several impending free agent departures at the position,” a December 2 article explains.
“The group could use additional depth, and Oliver, who performed well as a backup and spot starter for the 49ers in 2023, could fill that role. He’s also been effective in a similar capacity with the Jets this year and should be a budget-friendly option in free agency.”
Oliver’s familiarity with the 49ers and his relatively low price tag make him an appealing target. If the team plans to rely on Lenoir and potentially Charvarius Ward in 2025, Oliver could slot in as their third or fourth cornerback.
Oliver’s Journey Through the NFL
A standout at Colorado, Oliver entered the league as a second-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2018. Over five seasons in Atlanta, Oliver showed promise but struggled to secure a consistent starting role after 2019.
His final season with the Falcons was one of his strongest. Despite starting just five games and appearing in 12, Oliver recorded an interception and seven pass deflections.
While his performance was solid, it wasn’t enough for an extension. He joined the 49ers on a two-year, $6.75 million deal, with only half of the contract guaranteed. The structure allowed the team flexibility to retain him for a second season if he played a significant role.
That role never fully materialized. Oliver appeared in all 17 games but managed only one interception and two pass deflections. Following the 2024 Super Bowl, San Francisco released him, leading to his one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Jets.
49ers Face Turnover in Secondary
Whether Oliver returns or not, the 49ers are bracing for significant changes in their defensive backfield. Charvarius Ward, set to become a free agent, faces an uncertain future with the team following his limited availability this season.
In addition to Ward, three other cornerbacks will hit free agency this offseason. Ambry Thomas’ rookie contract expires in 2025, while depth players Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin are also in the final year of their deals.
Oliver could serve as a natural replacement for Yiadom or Thomas. However, filling a potential void left by Ward would pose a more significant challenge. San Francisco has felt Ward’s absence acutely this season, and finding a top-tier cornerback isn’t easy.
The draft may offer the best solution. The 49ers have a strong track record with first-round picks during Kyle Shanahan’s tenure. Prospects like Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison are expected to be available in the latter part of the first round.
